By Rhianna Montgomery
The Crofting and Scottish Land Court Act has now received Royal Assent, introducing a number of changes designed to modernise crofting legislation and simplify some of the processes affecting crofters. While the Act does not deliver the comprehensive reform many had hoped for, it includes several practical measures that will impact day-to-day crofting.
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a simpler process for transferring crofts between eligible family members, making succession more straightforward. The Act also strengthens the management of common grazings by providing clearer powers for grazings committees and creating a framework for environmental and woodland projects on common grazings.
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Additional protections have been introduced to prevent grazing shares from being separated from a croft without approval from the Crofting Commission, helping to maintain the integrity of crofting units. The Commission will also have updated enforcement powers to encourage compliance with crofting duties and ensure croft land remains active and productive.
Changes have also been made for owner-occupier crofters, including new requirements relating to registration and transfers, while the Crofting Commission has been given greater flexibility in administering applications and resolving issues.
Although these changes are a positive step, [pull quote] they do not amount to a full overhaul of crofting law. The Scottish Government has committed to undertaking a wider review of crofting legislation, providing an opportunity to address longer-term issues facing the sector. NFU Scotland will continue to engage with the Government and the Crofting Commission to ensure crofters' views are represented as these reforms are implemented and future legislation is developed.
Crofting Committee adopts new name
The NFU Scotland Crofting Highlands and Islands Committee has adopted a new name and will now be known as the Crofters Committee.
The change follows discussions by Committee members, who agreed that the previous title was longer than necessary and did not clearly reflect the Committee's primary purpose. While it referenced the geographical area in which many crofters are based, it did not place enough emphasis on the Committee's key role of representing the interests of crofters.
The new name provides a clearer and more concise identity, making it easier for members, stakeholders and policymakers to understand the Committee's remit. It also brings greater consistency with the naming of other NFU Scotland committees and working groups.
While the name has changed, the Committee's purpose remains the same. The Crofters Committee will continue to represent the interests of crofters, shape NFU Scotland policy on issues affecting crofting, and ensure crofters' voices are heard in discussions with government, industry and other key stakeholders.